Housing Benefit Assessment Officer
Location: Ealing, W5 2HL
Working Pattern: Hybrid working with flexibility for remote working for the right candidate (first day attendance required for equipment collection and induction)
Hours: Part Time, 21 hours per week (3 days)
Contract: 3 Months Initial Contract (Possible Extension)
Start Date: ASAP
Pay Rate: £20.96 PAYE (£27.33 Umbrella)
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Housing Benefit Assessment Officer to join a busy Local Authority Housing Benefits team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced benefits professional looking for a flexible, part-time role with the option of predominantly remote working.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess new and ongoing Housing Benefit claims accurately and efficiently.
- Process Housing Benefit applications, renewals and changes of circumstances.
- Maintain accurate electronic records and update claim information as required.
- Review and verify supporting evidence to determine benefit entitlement.
- Liaise with customers, advisors and external agencies to obtain additional information.
- Draft correspondence explaining benefit decisions and calculations.
- Calculate benefit entitlement and payments in accordance with regulations.
- Identify potential fraudulent claims and refer where appropriate.
- Provide guidance and advice on Housing Benefit and Welfare Benefit regulations.
Essential Requirements
Detailed knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation and assessment processes
Recent experience assessing Housing Benefit claims
Experience working with Housing Rents and rent accounting systems
Knowledge of Welfare Benefits and Universal Credit regulations
Experience working within a Housing, Revenues or Benefits environment
Strong customer service and communication skills
Experience using Housing Benefit systems and Microsoft Office applications
Ability to manage a varied workload and work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Local Authority Housing Benefit teams
- Revenues & Benefits services
- Housing Needs or Temporary Accommodation services
- Welfare Benefits administration environments